Child & Youth Victimization

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

2015 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide
(January 2015)
OVC, 182 pages, NCJ 247813.
The 2015 NCVRW Resource Guide, released ahead of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19 to 25, highlights this year’s theme, Engaging Communities. Empowering Victims. The Guide includes a wide array of user-friendly outreach tools and sample products, a Theme DVD, current statistics on victimization, information on the history of victims’ rights in the United States, and concrete, practical ideas for engaging your community and empowering victims. Hardcopy versions of this year's Guide, which can be ordered through the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) at www.ncjrs.gov, include Introductory Materials and NCVRW Resource Guide Artwork.
Abstract
| PDF | HTML

Circle of Healing for Native Children Endangered by Drugs
(December 2014)
OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 248443.
This seven-video series and companion resource guide feature Native programs and practices that incorporate cultural stories and traditions to help children, families, and communities in Indian Country to heal from substance abuse-related trauma.
Abstract
| HTML

Report to the U.S. Attorney General on Improving Federal Agency Response to Sexual Violence in Tribal Nations: Issues and Recommendations
(June 2014)
OVC, Report, 37 pages, NCJ 248527.
This report from the National Coordination Committee on the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Sexual Assault Response Team (SANE-SART) Initiative examines federal response to adult and child victims of sexual violence in tribal nations and reports recommendations for improvement.
Abstract
| PDF

HALOS Strategy: Community Collaborations for Children
(May 2014)
OVC, OVC Training, 0 pages, NCJ 246834.
This online toolkit offers lessons learned and suggests strategies for replicating or establishing programs like the Helping and Lending Outreach Support (HALOS) program wherever foster families and relatives need additional support for the children in their care. It explains key components of program development, implementation, and sustainability; and includes sample forms and materials used by HALOS and the replicating organizations.
Abstract
| HTMLPart Of the OVC Training Series

Through Our Eyes: Children, Violence, and Trauma
(April 2014)
OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 241394.
This video series addresses the needs of children exposed to crime, abuse, and violence; highlights major issues in child victimization; identifies promising practices for service providers and others working with young victims; and shows how trauma-informed care can help child victims recover to lead healthy, productive lives. A companion resource guide accompanies each video and public awareness posters are available for download.
Abstract
| HTML

OJP Publications

Juvenile Offenders and Victims: 2014 National Report
(December 2014)
OJJDP-Sponsored, Grant, 244 pages, NCJ 248587.
This report summarizes what is known about the prevalence and incidence of juvenile victimizations, juvenile offending and the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
| PDF

Attorney General's Advisory Committee on American Indian/Alaska Native Children Exposed to Violence: Ending Violence So Children Can Thrive
(November 2014)
OJJDP-Sponsored, Grant, 258 pages, NCJ 248500.
The recommendations are intended to serve as a blueprint for preventing American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children's exposure to violence and for mitigating the negative effects experienced by Al/AN children exposed to violence across the U.S. and throughout Indian country.
Abstract
| PDF

Recognizing When a Child's Injury or Illness Is Caused by Abuse
(July 2014)
OJJDP, Portable Guide, OJJDP Portable Guides to Investigating Child Abuse, 28 pages, NCJ 243908.
This guide provides information about the many indicators of child maltreatment and abuse to help first responders and investigators differentiate between physical abuse and accidental injury.

Improving Human Trafficking Victim Identification-Validation and Dissemination of a Screening Tool
(June 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 455 pages, NCJ 246712.
This guide provides users with recommendations on how to build trust with potential victims, maintain confidentiality, and use the tool correctly. When properly used, the tool could give victim service providers, law enforcement and legal, healthcare, and social service providers with a standard means of identifying victims of human trafficking.
Abstract
| PDF

Screening for Human Trafficking: Guidelines for Administering the Trafficking Victim Identification Tool (TVIT)
(June 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 37 pages, NCJ 246713.
This tool is designed for victim service providers and other providers to assist in identifying victims of human trafficking. Developed over the last seven years by the Vera Institute of Justice in collaboration with 11 victim service organizations in California, Colorado, New York, Texas and Washington, this NIJ-funded tool has been validated with a diverse sample of potential victims of trafficking and found reliable in predicting labor and sex trafficking.
Abstract
| PDF

OVC-Funded Resources

ChildVictimWebChildVictimWeb is a free online training resource designed for professionals from all disciplines who work with children who have experienced or witnessed serious violence. This course describes the prevalence and characteristics of different forms of victimization often experienced in childhood, their psychological, behavioral, social, and health consequences, and implications for practice. Assessment strategies, an evidence-based approach to treatment planning, trauma-informed case management skills, and information about evidence supported treatments are presented.

Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST)Operating in Los Angeles County, California, the mission of CAST is to assist persons trafficked for the purpose of forced labor and slavery-like practices and to work toward ending all instances of such human rights violations.

Mosaic Family Services, Inc.Mosaic Family Services is a nonprofit community-based organization that provides services free of charge to refugees and immigrants who are victims of human trafficking and domestic violence in North Texas. The mission of Mosaic Family Services is to support, educate, and empower individuals and families of the communities they serve.

Polaris ProjectPolaris Project's comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking includes conducting direct outreach and victim identification, providing social services and transitional housing to victims, operating the National Human Trafficking Resource Center serving as the central national hotline on human trafficking, advocating for stronger state and Federal anti-trafficking legislation, and engaging community members in local and national grassroots efforts.

Federal Resources

Defending ChildhoodDefending Childhood is an initiative of Attorney General Eric Holder that strives to harness resources from across the Department of Justice to: prevent children's exposure to violence, mitigate the negative impact of children's exposure to violence when it does occur, and develop knowledge and spread awareness about children's exposure to violence.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Human TraffickingThe Department of Homeland Security is committed to combating the global crime of human trafficking. Through public outreach, victim protection, and law enforcement training, the Department works diligently to prevent human trafficking before it occurs, to protect victims when it has occurred, and to minimize reoccurrence by conducting investigations to bring traffickers to justice.

Non-Governmental Resources

Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (ASCA)ASCA helps survivors of child abuse transform their self-identities from that of victim to that of survivor and, ultimately, thriver. The site includes resource materials and guidelines for establishing ASCA support networks.

Boys and Girls Clubs of AmericaThis organization's mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

National Center For Child Death ReviewThe National Center for Child Death Review promotes, supports and enhances child death review methodology and activities at the community, state, and national levels.

On Apr 23 2014 at 2:00PM, Dr David Corwin, President of the Academy on Violence and Abuse, Professor in Pediatrics Department at University of Utah, and Dr James Henry, Cofounder and Project Director for the Western Michigan University (WMU) Children's Trauma Assessment Center, hosted a discussion on Implications of Adverse Childhood Experiences for Practitioners

On Apr 15 2014 at 2:00PM, Sally Laskey, Director of Special Projects for the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, and Chris Newlin, M.S., L.P.C., Executive Director of the National Children’s Advocacy Center, hosted a discussion on CACs and SARTs Partnering for Sexual Violence Victims

On Feb 28 2014 at 2:00PM, Parry Aftab, J.D., lawyer and child advocate who specializes in cyberlaw, cyberbullying and cyberharassment, cybercrime, and privacy, and Laurel Broten, public policy expert, lawyer, and crime victims advocate, hosted a discussion on Teen Victimization in the Digital Age

Are there programs that will prevent a passport from being issued for a child without parental consent?The Department of State's Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP) works to prevent intern...
Read More

What type of protection does the U.S. Department of Justice provide to trafficking victims?Information for trafficking victims is available in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) brochu...
Read More

Where do I report Internet child pornography?Information about how to report child pornography (and other cases of sexual exploitation of childre...
Read More

How do I report child pornography? To report child pornography and/or potential cases involving the sexual exploitation of children, co...
Read More

How do I report child pornography which I received via e-mail?Information about how to report child pornography that was sent to you via e-mail can be found on th...
Read More

FY 2015 Enhanced Collaborative Model to Combat Human Trafficking (PDF 411 kb)
Deadline: 05/11/2015
OVC and BJA will award between $600,000 and $900,000 to law enforcement agencies and victim service providers to work collaboratively to develop and enhance multidisciplinary human trafficking task forces that combat sex and labor trafficking of foreign nationals and U.S. citizens of all sexes and ages. Eligible applicants are law enforcement agencies and victim service providers who submit separate but coordinated proposals that outline how this funding will be used to implement the human trafficking task force specified within the application. Those applying are urged to begin in advance of the May 11, 2015, deadline.

Publications

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

2015 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide
(January 2015)
OVC, 182 pages, NCJ 247813.
The 2015 NCVRW Resource Guide, released ahead of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19 to 25, highlights this year’s theme, Engaging Communities. Empowering Victims. The Guide includes a wide array of user-friendly outreach tools and sample products, a Theme DVD, current statistics on victimization, information on the history of victims’ rights in the United States, and concrete, practical ideas for engaging your community and empowering victims. Hardcopy versions of this year's Guide, which can be ordered through the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) at www.ncjrs.gov, include Introductory Materials and NCVRW Resource Guide Artwork.
Abstract
| PDF | HTML

Circle of Healing for Native Children Endangered by Drugs
(December 2014)
OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 248443.
This seven-video series and companion resource guide feature Native programs and practices that incorporate cultural stories and traditions to help children, families, and communities in Indian Country to heal from substance abuse-related trauma.
Abstract
| HTML

Report to the U.S. Attorney General on Improving Federal Agency Response to Sexual Violence in Tribal Nations: Issues and Recommendations
(June 2014)
OVC, Report, 37 pages, NCJ 248527.
This report from the National Coordination Committee on the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Sexual Assault Response Team (SANE-SART) Initiative examines federal response to adult and child victims of sexual violence in tribal nations and reports recommendations for improvement.
Abstract
| PDF

HALOS Strategy: Community Collaborations for Children
(May 2014)
OVC, OVC Training, 0 pages, NCJ 246834.
This online toolkit offers lessons learned and suggests strategies for replicating or establishing programs like the Helping and Lending Outreach Support (HALOS) program wherever foster families and relatives need additional support for the children in their care. It explains key components of program development, implementation, and sustainability; and includes sample forms and materials used by HALOS and the replicating organizations.
Abstract
| HTMLPart Of the OVC Training Series

Through Our Eyes: Children, Violence, and Trauma
(April 2014)
OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 241394.
This video series addresses the needs of children exposed to crime, abuse, and violence; highlights major issues in child victimization; identifies promising practices for service providers and others working with young victims; and shows how trauma-informed care can help child victims recover to lead healthy, productive lives. A companion resource guide accompanies each video and public awareness posters are available for download.
Abstract
| HTML

OJP Publications

Juvenile Offenders and Victims: 2014 National Report
(December 2014)
OJJDP-Sponsored, Grant, 244 pages, NCJ 248587.
This report summarizes what is known about the prevalence and incidence of juvenile victimizations, juvenile offending and the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
| PDF

Attorney General's Advisory Committee on American Indian/Alaska Native Children Exposed to Violence: Ending Violence So Children Can Thrive
(November 2014)
OJJDP-Sponsored, Grant, 258 pages, NCJ 248500.
The recommendations are intended to serve as a blueprint for preventing American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children's exposure to violence and for mitigating the negative effects experienced by Al/AN children exposed to violence across the U.S. and throughout Indian country.
Abstract
| PDF

Recognizing When a Child's Injury or Illness Is Caused by Abuse
(July 2014)
OJJDP, Portable Guide, OJJDP Portable Guides to Investigating Child Abuse, 28 pages, NCJ 243908.
This guide provides information about the many indicators of child maltreatment and abuse to help first responders and investigators differentiate between physical abuse and accidental injury.
Part Of the OJJDP Portable Guides to Investigating Child Abuse SeriesAbstract
| PDF

Improving Human Trafficking Victim Identification-Validation and Dissemination of a Screening Tool
(June 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 455 pages, NCJ 246712.
This guide provides users with recommendations on how to build trust with potential victims, maintain confidentiality, and use the tool correctly. When properly used, the tool could give victim service providers, law enforcement and legal, healthcare, and social service providers with a standard means of identifying victims of human trafficking.
Abstract
| PDF

Screening for Human Trafficking: Guidelines for Administering the Trafficking Victim Identification Tool (TVIT)
(June 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 37 pages, NCJ 246713.
This tool is designed for victim service providers and other providers to assist in identifying victims of human trafficking. Developed over the last seven years by the Vera Institute of Justice in collaboration with 11 victim service organizations in California, Colorado, New York, Texas and Washington, this NIJ-funded tool has been validated with a diverse sample of potential victims of trafficking and found reliable in predicting labor and sex trafficking.
Abstract
| PDF

Related Resources

OVC Funded Resources

ChildVictimWebChildVictimWeb is a free online training resource designed for professionals from all disciplines who work with children who have experienced or witnessed serious violence. This course describes the prevalence and characteristics of different forms of victimization often experienced in childhood, their psychological, behavioral, social, and health consequences, and implications for practice. Assessment strategies, an evidence-based approach to treatment planning, trauma-informed case management skills, and information about evidence supported treatments are presented.

Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST)Operating in Los Angeles County, California, the mission of CAST is to assist persons trafficked for the purpose of forced labor and slavery-like practices and to work toward ending all instances of such human rights violations.

Mosaic Family Services, Inc.Mosaic Family Services is a nonprofit community-based organization that provides services free of charge to refugees and immigrants who are victims of human trafficking and domestic violence in North Texas. The mission of Mosaic Family Services is to support, educate, and empower individuals and families of the communities they serve.

Polaris ProjectPolaris Project's comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking includes conducting direct outreach and victim identification, providing social services and transitional housing to victims, operating the National Human Trafficking Resource Center serving as the central national hotline on human trafficking, advocating for stronger state and Federal anti-trafficking legislation, and engaging community members in local and national grassroots efforts.

Federal Resources

Defending ChildhoodDefending Childhood is an initiative of Attorney General Eric Holder that strives to harness resources from across the Department of Justice to: prevent children's exposure to violence, mitigate the negative impact of children's exposure to violence when it does occur, and develop knowledge and spread awareness about children's exposure to violence.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Human TraffickingThe Department of Homeland Security is committed to combating the global crime of human trafficking. Through public outreach, victim protection, and law enforcement training, the Department works diligently to prevent human trafficking before it occurs, to protect victims when it has occurred, and to minimize reoccurrence by conducting investigations to bring traffickers to justice.

Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (ASCA)ASCA helps survivors of child abuse transform their self-identities from that of victim to that of survivor and, ultimately, thriver. The site includes resource materials and guidelines for establishing ASCA support networks.

Boys and Girls Clubs of AmericaThis organization's mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

National Center For Child Death ReviewThe National Center for Child Death Review promotes, supports and enhances child death review methodology and activities at the community, state, and national levels.

On Apr 23 2014 at 2:00PM, Dr David Corwin, President of the Academy on Violence and Abuse, Professor in Pediatrics Department at University of Utah, and Dr James Henry, Cofounder and Project Director for the Western Michigan University (WMU) Children's Trauma Assessment Center, hosted a discussion on Implications of Adverse Childhood Experiences for Practitioners

On Apr 15 2014 at 2:00PM, Sally Laskey, Director of Special Projects for the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, and Chris Newlin, M.S., L.P.C., Executive Director of the National Children’s Advocacy Center, hosted a discussion on CACs and SARTs Partnering for Sexual Violence Victims

On Feb 28 2014 at 2:00PM, Parry Aftab, J.D., lawyer and child advocate who specializes in cyberlaw, cyberbullying and cyberharassment, cybercrime, and privacy, and Laurel Broten, public policy expert, lawyer, and crime victims advocate, hosted a discussion on Teen Victimization in the Digital Age

FAQs

Are there programs that will prevent a passport from being issued for a child without parental consent?The Department of State's Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP) works to prevent intern...
Read More

What type of protection does the U.S. Department of Justice provide to trafficking victims?Information for trafficking victims is available in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) brochu...
Read More

Where do I report Internet child pornography?Information about how to report child pornography (and other cases of sexual exploitation of childre...
Read More

How do I report child pornography? To report child pornography and/or potential cases involving the sexual exploitation of children, co...
Read More

How do I report child pornography which I received via e-mail?Information about how to report child pornography that was sent to you via e-mail can be found on th...
Read More

Funding

FY 2015 Enhanced Collaborative Model to Combat Human Trafficking (PDF 411 kb)
Deadline: 05/11/2015
OVC and BJA will award between $600,000 and $900,000 to law enforcement agencies and victim service providers to work collaboratively to develop and enhance multidisciplinary human trafficking task forces that combat sex and labor trafficking of foreign nationals and U.S. citizens of all sexes and ages. Eligible applicants are law enforcement agencies and victim service providers who submit separate but coordinated proposals that outline how this funding will be used to implement the human trafficking task force specified within the application. Those applying are urged to begin in advance of the May 11, 2015, deadline.